Wish you had a “Biblical Marriage”? Think again! Every marriage has its highs and lows. In the Bible, there are very few examples of what most would call “good marriages.”

Yet, God can bring good out of bad and restore even the most broken love stories. Take note of these notable marriages from the Bible, and what you can draw from them as you think about your own marriage.

1. Adam & Eve - The first marriage instituted by God. (Genesis 2:18-24)
   Good - Ushered in humanity in the image of God.
   Bad - Responsible for the fall of mankind and all sin and brokenness in the world.
2. Abraham & Sarah - A couple that experienced God's promises and the birth of their son Isaac in their old age. (Genesis 17:15-19; 18:9-15; 21:1-7)
   Good - Father of Judaism, and by extension, Christianity.
   Bad - Let his wife sleep with the Pharaoh and had an illegitimate son with servant Hagar.
3.  Isaac & Rebekah - A marriage that began with a beautiful story of faith and guidance. (Genesis 24)
   Good - Faithfully honored God in their consummation.
   Bad - Wife conspired with youngest son to deceive her husband in old age.
4. Jacob & Rachel - A love story marked by labor, deception, and patience. (Genesis 29:1-30)
   Good - Redeemed after a rough start to become “Israel.”
   Bad - Deceived his father and brother, stealing the elder’s blessing and birthright.
5. Boaz & Ruth - A beautiful story of redemption and loyalty. (Ruth)
   Good - Mixed race couple gave birth to Jesse, the Father of King David.
   Bad - Ruth’s first husband died.
6.  Elkanah & Hannah - A marriage that shows the pain of barrenness and the joy of answered prayer. (1 Samuel 1:1-28)
   Good - Parents to the great Prophet Samuel, blessed with multiple children.
   Bad - Initially barren, which created envy and pain in early days of marriage.
7.  Joseph & Mary - Entrusted with the upbringing of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-52)
   Good - Earthly parents of Jesus, the Messiah.
   Bad - Betrothal smeared by accusations of adultery, forced to move to Egypt when King Herod tried to murder their son.
8. Aquila & Priscilla - A New Testament couple known for their partnership in ministry and hospitality. (Acts 18:2, 18, 26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19)
   Good - Amazing example of a marriage partnership focused on the Kingdom.
   Bad - Experienced persecution along with the rest of the early church.

Are you romanticizing Biblical marriage as something it is not? A Biblical marriage is not a fairy tale, but is filled with ups and downs, good and bad, sin and sanctity. Rethink your idea of Biblical marriage and come to healthy terms with your marriage moving forward.

The Seven Seas of Manhood: Navigating With Courage & Confidence the Still & Stormy Waters of a Man's Life is a new IMPACT Cohort study for men who want to grow as husbands, fathers, and leaders. If you are a man who wants to thrive in every storm and season of manhood, we encourage you to join or start an IMPACT Cohort and participate in this 7 week study. Set Sail Here.